Hark the Herald Angels Sing lyrics

“Hark the herald angels sing” was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley who founded the Methodist church, in 1739. A rather sombre man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus “Hark the herald angels sing” was sung to a different tune initially.

Over a hundred years later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics “Hark the herald angels sing” written by Wesley

Hark the herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!Peace on earth and mercy mildGod and sinners reconciled"Joyful, all ye nations riseJoin the triumph of the skiesWith the angelic host proclaim:"Christ is born in Bethlehem"Hark! The herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adoredChrist the everlasting Lord!Late in time behold Him comeOffspring of a Virgin's wombVeiled in flesh the Godhead seeHail the incarnate DeityPleased as man with man to dwellJesus, our EmmanuelHark! The herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!Hail the Son of Righteousness!Light and life to all He bringsRis'n with healing in His wingsMild He lays His glory byBorn that man no more may dieBorn to raise the sons of earthBorn to give them second birthHark! The herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!"